Leicester hooker Finn Theobald-Thomas retires at 23

The English club announced the news on Wednesday without giving details of the medical issue.

Theobald-Thomas joined Leicester ahead of the 2023-24 season, having previously played for Worcester and Gloucester, and made 33 appearances for the Tigers. He came through every England age-grade side up to the U20s. His last appearance came at the end of March, against Gloucester.

The Bradmore-born player paid tribute to the game on Instagram, saying this was not how he had imagined his career ending and that it was incredibly hard to accept losing something he had worked for and loved so much. Leicester head coach Geoff Parling said he was gutted to see such a promising journey cut short, describing him as an unselfish team man. The club and the Rugby Players’ Association will support him through the transition.

Leicester short at hooker

The news comes at a bad time for the Tigers. Last season’s two first-choice hookers, Jamie Blamire and Charlie Clare, are both injured, Clare with a longer-term shoulder problem. Against Newcastle last week, Leicester relied on new signing Samiuela Moli and Corbin Thunder, on loan from National 1 side Sale FC. The Tigers host Gloucester on Friday.